Cheer me up someone.

[Rosebaywillowherb]

Hello everyone, just got back from my rheumy appointment,feeling quite despondent,as can't go on any other treatment due to bronchiestatis,lots of the meds make my lungs clog up,so very limited.They are keeping me on oral steroids for a few more months,also had spine x ray,as been told may be fracture,or crumbling due to osteoporosis ,so waiting for dec scan.Not the best of days,think I'll put my electric blanket on and take a packet of chocolate hobnobs up with me.!! X

[helixhelix]

Electric blanket and hobnobs sounds like a plan. I feel for you as the only thing that scares me is something happening that means I have to stop my meds. Is there really nothing they can offer - not even some of the newer drugs or the old fashioned drugs like gold? Do keep pushing just in case they're not thinking hard enough about options. Good luck.

[nomoreheels]

That sounds like a plan to me. So sorry you had such a rubbish appointment. I know long term steroids aren't a plan but they should keep you in some comfort until you've had the DEXA scan & your Rheumy has time to work out a plan for you.

We're here, anytime. x

[JacquiThomas999]

Electric blanket and chocolate hobnobs, seem to me a bit messy. But I agree with the action plan.

[Hidden]

I think the time has come for comfort foods and hot chocolate. I hope all were a bit restorative. I can't take any RA drugs because of allergic reactions but fortunately my RA has gone into hiding. My friend has Bronchiastasis and it's horrid but she doesn't also have RA. All I can offer is sympathy and more hot chocolate via cyber space - don't spill it please! X

[davannh]

Hi, I know we are all different but I have had Bronciectasis since childhood and have RA. I have been on Methotrexate for 15 years. I have been able to try a range of Biologics, none of which worked until I tried Tocilizumab ( now been taking this for 6 years) this has been amazing. Obviously I have considerable joint damage but my inflammation levels have dropped, which means I feel much better.

I have good treatment for the Bronciectasis, I nebulise antibiotics twice a day, take Azithromycin three times a week to prevent infection and if I get a lung infection it is treated aggressively. Perhaps you need a second opinion about your whole treatment. I think it is important to receive treatment for your RA as untreated your joints will sustain damage which then causes you further problems.

[Hidden in reply to davannh]

Thanks for your concern but I'm lucky that my RA is classed as non erosive so far as I'm not allowed to try anymore DMARDs and don't qualify for Biologics presently. In fact my main problem now is with a severe and widespread small fibre neuropathy. It is thought to be immune mediated and rare but my main concern is for my peripheral and autonomic nervous system rather than my joints at present. Have you tried Hydroxichloraquine yet? I know it's regarded as a mild DMARD but it can be effective for some and doesn't affect the lungs as far as I'm aware.

[Jeanabelle60]

You poor thing. I have been through 5 Bio's and almost all the DMARD's when it was discovered that I too have Bronchiectasis. I am also Sero Negative so that can limit what medications I can take........anyhow, like you I am now on oral steroids and doing well, touch wood! I'm on two inhalers for the Bronchiectasis that have helped. I have to say that although I was told early on about my 'lung thingie' a few years ago it is only recently that I have started to have breathing problems, my two inhalers have been great and I am seeing a Dr (recommended by my lovely Rheumatologist Dr Armstrong) in two weeks about the condition. I'm grand so long as I don't move about too much, bend over, walk and talk at the same time, laugh to hard illy.........god I'm so glad I have this wee iPad, can't imagine what I would get up to if I didn't have it to help pass the time! My hall needs done up but all I can do is just sit and look at it.......any body know someone who can put stripped wallpaper on vertically?????????

Anyhow Darlin, you just eat as many Hobnobs as you like.....anything that makes you feel better. XXXXXX